I’m in the process of acclimating to semi-suburban life and it’s not going well, so I called a friend who also lives in the hood and she suggested we meet up for a beer tasting at Muss and Turner’s, right in ourveraownbackyard.

I was excited to see her and try something new, but as a person who doesn’t drink beer I was skeptical that I’d enjoy the event. On the other hand, it was only $12 which is half the cost of having your lip waxed and it promised to be – at a minimum – more fun than that.

It’s a good thing I don’t get paid for predicting the future or I’d be broke.

Rick is the resident bartender and a true brew historian at Muss & Turners in Smyrna. I was wow’ed by the depth of his knowledge, his preparedness (a ballot, a map and a sheet documenting the beverages we were tasting as a take-away) and his ability to built a rapport with everyone at the table…including me. Which really – let’s face it – is a challenge for anyone.

I walked in knowing nothing about beer other than Guinness has less calories than other beers and I walked out (slightly tipsy) and knowing about IPA’s and why they’re hoppy, what hops were originally used for, fermenting with slate, and a bunch of other stuff that’s going to be really annoying for someone in a bar one day when I get sloppy drunk next to them.

After the tasting we stuck around for a bite (at a discount since we attended the tasting) and I was pleasantly surprised by that too. Whodda thunk they’d have 3 kinds of pickles to choose from? Whodda thunk they’d have drool-a-riffic Ritz dressing on their turkey sandwich? Not me, but hell if I didn’t gobble ’em both up. (Get it?)

This was a fantastic experience in a nice, clean, quiet environment. Based on my experience here, I’d suggest any of their three current offerings if you’re looking for something a little different and not too far away or if you find yourself in Smyrna and looking for something to do. Their offerings in addition to a bar, deli and restaurant: wine tasting, beer tasting, and food education.

http://www.mussandturners.com/

Authors note: this is a blatent (slightly edited) repost of a review I’ve posted on Yelp!